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Double-glazing is generally easy
to operate. But please make sure
your retailer shows you how to do
this, or at least leaves you with
some sort of user-guide or instruction
booklet - if you've asked for a
restrictor hinge on a window but
have not been shown which one it
is on then it's not really a good
start! So, get familiar with the
use of your windows and doors (and
that includes all of your family).
This will make sure that the features,
designed to keep intruders out,
won't hinder your escape in the
event of a fire emergency.
It's a good idea to have at least
one window upstairs that can be
fully opened in case of an emergency.
Depending on the size of your frames,
a normal window may not open enough
to allow you to squeeze through.
In this case an egress hinge (or
emergency fire escape hinge) would
be advised. (See 'Safety
Hinges' in the 'Windows Options
and Extras' section of the 'Windows'
page under 'Products').
If you find it tricky to wash the
outside of hard-to-reach windows
you may well want to invest in a
special hinge. In the case of a
Visage egress hinge this also allows
you to reach through the hinge side
of the opening to clean these areas.
Another safety feature is the restrictor
hinge which keeps small children
safe and secure whilst being childproof
in operation. A pressure pad, concealed
within the hinge mechanism, allows
the window or door to be opened
fully. (See 'Safety Hinges'
in the 'Windows Options and Extras'
section of the 'Windows' page under
'Products').
Finally, the matter of the glass
itself. In areas that are below
0.8 metres from the floor the legal
requirement is for toughened glass
to be fitted as standard.
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